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Investing in luxury watches is not just about style and taste, it is also a financial opportunity. With a thorough understanding of the market and careful selection, watches can be a solid and rewarding investment. In this article, we will explore the different facets of investing in watches, and present our top 5 watches to invest in.
Investing in new or vintage watches?
The luxury watch market is divided into two main segments: new watches (primary market) and vintage watches (secondary market). Each of these markets has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.
| Primary market (New watches) | Secondary Market (Vintage Watches) | |
|---|---|---|
| Benefits |
Authenticity guaranteed |
More affordable prices |
| Disadvantages |
Higher prices |
Risk of authenticity |
Finally, since the primary market is falling (low prices) and the secondary market is rising (high prices), it is more interesting to invest in new watches.
What impacts the value of a watch?
The value of a luxury watch is influenced by several key factors:
- Make and model : Certain makes and models are more sought after and hold their value better.
- Rarity : Limited editions or hard-to-find pieces may have a higher value.
- Condition : The condition of the watch, including repairs and restorations, may affect its value.
- Origin : The history and origin of the watch can add value, especially if it belonged to a famous personality.
- Market demand : Market trends and demand for certain brands or styles may fluctuate, influencing value.
Top 5 Watches to Buy as an Investment
To help you in your quest for the perfect watch to make a successful investment, here is our TOP 5:
1. IWC Ingenieur SL “Jumbo” Ref. 1832
This watch is a unique piece of watchmaking history, with prices starting at around €28,000 and reaching up to €35,000. It is part of the famous Genta trilogy of sports watches and is a part of Genta’s heritage.
2. Patek Philippe Ref. 5172G Chronograph
With prices ranging from around €70,000 to €85,000, this white gold watch with a midnight blue dial and leather strap is popular among Patek enthusiasts.
3. Breitling Navitimer 806 1959 Re-Edition
A modern remake of the classic Navitimer 806, this watch is praised for its design and heritage, with a continued increase in its expected value.
4. Girard-Perregaux Laureato 42 Infinity Edition
A limited edition with a stunning black onyx dial, this watch is prized for its beautiful lines and is currently priced at around €17,000 to €20,000.
5. Vacheron Constantin Overseas 4500V Brown Dial
A sleek and sophisticated stainless steel watch, with prices starting just above €40,000 and reaching just over €65,000. It is known for its distinctive brown dial and elegance.
Investing in Watches for Different Budgets
| Budget | Recommended watches | Model price | Reason to invest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 5000€ | Rolex Datejust | From €5,000 | Rolex’s entry-level model with a rating increase of more than 350% over the last 10 years. |
| Less than 5000€ | Universal Polerouter | Around 2000€ | Historical model designed by Gerald Genta, perfect for investment. |
| Omega Speedmaster | Around 5000€ | Iconic model that has tripled in value over the last 10 years. | |
| Tag Heuer Carrera | From €1,500 to €60,000 | Racing watch, with a constantly increasing value. | |
| Less than €20,000 | Rolex GMT Master 2 “Batman” | Around €17,000 | Excellent option for investment, increasing value on the secondary market. |
| More than 20,000€ | Royal Oak 14790 | Around €35,000 | Popular Audemars Piguet watch, which has almost tripled in price since 2019. |
| Aquanaut 5060 | Around €26,000 | Rare and sought after, produced in only 1000 copies. | |
| Nautilus 3800 | Around €35,000 | Creation of Gerald Genta, watch for investing with a big budget. | |
| Rolex Daytona | Around €25,000 | Legendary model associated with Paul Newman, promising investment. |
Buy online or in store?
Buying watches online offers greater convenience and choice, but carries risks such as counterfeiting and poor condition. Buying in-store offers a tactile experience and the ability to verify authenticity, but can be more expensive and limited in choice. A combination of the two, with online research followed by in-store inspection, may be the best approach.
Here are some options for finding watches online that are appreciating in value:
Chrono24 : The reference site for following the price of watches and finding gems.
Chronoxt : A secure platform where each watch is verified by Chronext watchmakers.
Chronomania CDA : A classifieds section for enthusiasts, but with a risk of fraud.
Leboncoin and Ricardo.ch : Sites where you can find nuggets, but with a high risk of fraud.
Investing in watches differently
If buying online doesn’t suit you, there are other alternatives:
Aron’son : A specialist in Paris, with a limited offer and generally higher prices.
Auction : Large houses like Christies, Phillips, Drouot or Antiquorum offer exceptional watches, but with additional costs.
Conclusion
Investing in luxury watches can be a rewarding endeavor, both financially and aesthetically. Whether you choose the primary or secondary market will depend on your preferences for price, authenticity, and rarity. The primary market offers a guarantee of authenticity and a wide selection, but at higher prices. The secondary market offers opportunities for appreciation and unique pieces, but with additional risks.
The choice between these markets will depend on your investment goals and risk tolerance. If you are looking for increased security and assurance, the primary market may be the ideal choice. If you are looking for rare and unique coins with the potential for appreciation, the secondary market may offer interesting opportunities.
With careful selection, thorough research and an understanding of the factors that influence value, investing in watches can be a valuable addition to your investment portfolio. Whether you collect iconic models like the Rolex Datejust or Patek Philippe Nautilus, or explore online and in-store opportunities, luxury watches offer a unique combination of beauty, history and financial potential.
